Pettys Orchard and Riverside Walk (Templestowe)

A picturesque 5.6 km riverside walk that incorporates wetlands, grasslands and visits to Candlebark Park and Petty's Heritage Orchard. Commence the walk from the Fitzsimons Lane bridge carpark located close to the entrance of Candlebark Park (access only when travelling in a north to south direction).

This is a lovely trail for walkers, cyclists and runners. It follows the twists and turns of the Yarra River bordered by spectacular River Red Eucalypts. If you begin straight after breakfast you can expect to walk some of the trail with mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos. Strategically placed seating and picnic tables invite you to contemplate the river and views, and the orchards are enticing when in fruit - open every Friday and Saturday. The track is mostly gravel with a number of bridges and boardwalks.

Facilities are toilets, playground and parking. Beware of cyclists sharing the path.

Map of Route
Pettys Orchard and Riverside Walk (Templestowe)

Pettys Orchard and Riverside Walk (Templestowe)

Route Description
Commence the walk from the Fitzsimons Lane bridge car park located close to the entrance of Candlebark Park. Toilets are located 100 metres in the opposite direction along the Main Yarra Trail. Follow the path under the bridge then return to begin your walk.

There are two options to commence your walk. At the Y intersection the left hand fork is narrower and muddy and hugs the river's edge. The right hand fork is our main walk and takes you towards Candlebark Park. They both meet at the Diamond Creek Trail bridge.

1. Start at the Candlebark Park Information board and rest area. If you look towards the hilltop many of these trees are Candlebarks, Eucalyptus rubida. These were common here before the arrival of Europeans. They are forest trees and grow tall and straight. The bark is often coloured pink or red.

Veer left through the trees.

2. The Diamond Creek Trail is popular with cyclists. Walk to the middle of the bridge to admire the river from this elevated viewing point.

Return and continue along the rolling main path and board walk.

3. Take a moment to soak up the heritage of these magnificent Manna Gums, Eucalyptus viminalis. Many are over 200 hundred years old - definitely making them 'Beaut Eucs'. They have survived droughts, floods and European land use. As their branches fall, tree hollows are formed creating homes for parrots,
gliders and possums.

4. This is a lovely spot to sit, picnic and enjoy the gentle rapids of the Yarra River. Look and listen for birdlife including native ducks, kookaburras, magpies and galahs.

You will soon come to Petty's Orchard.

5. Petty's Orchard begins at this point. It is a heritage orchard offering old varieties of apples along with commercial fruits and nuts. Half of Doncaster and Templestowe were once covered in orchards supplying Melbournians with delicious tasting apples, pears and stone fruits. These days you might see mobs of Eastern-grey Kangaroo enjoying the long grass.

You can buy organic produce at the store Fridays and Saturdays 9.00 am - 5.30 pm. Tour and school groups welcome by appointment. Take the detour that runs in a straight line at the edge of the
orchard. Petty's Orchard: 1 Homestead Road, Templestowe.

6. The merging of the Mullum Mullum Creek and the fast flowing Yarra River occurs here at Tikalara. The signage interprets the heritage of the Wurundjeri people who have lived in this area for thousands of years. Fresh water in such quantities was important for a range of reasons including quenching thirst, fishing and hunting the wildlife that also came to the water to quench their thirst. And for recreation - kids love water! The Indigenous name for this place is Tikalara, which means 'Spirit of the Place'.

Your walk now becomes part of the Mullum Mullum Trail.

7. The path crosses another boardwalk and changes from trail to gravel vehicle access track. There is a drinking fountain to top up your water supply.

8. You should now be walking in open grasslands. There are resident mobs of kangaroo that are regularly seen foraging or sunning themselves.

The track now continues in open grasslands under the telegraph pylons. Keep to the left of the track and follow the signs to the Mullum Mullum Trail.

9. There is a drain ahead that is prone to flooding. If this has occurred then look for a small pathway between the houses to the immediate right of the outlet. A detour is illustrated on the map.

10. The wetlands here offer you a quick respite before the last leg of your walk. There are often Dusky Moorhens, Purple Swamphens and Australian Wood Ducks wading or swimming and various frogs to listen for. The Car Race Hill Climb begins here just cross the road.

The rest of the trail is asphalt and boardwalk to Beasley's Nursery where you can enjoy a well-deserved coffee and cake before the return journey.

This finishes your walk. Time to relax and plan your next adventure.